Many men have a varicocele—enlarged veins in the scrotum—without realising it. It is a common male factor in infertility because it can alter blood flow and testicular temperature and disturb sperm production. Understanding how varicoceles develop, how to reduce risk, and how they are treated can improve your chances when planning for a child.
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is abnormal dilation of the veins around the testicle. Blood pools and flows backward, raising scrotal temperature. Heat directly affects sperm production. Varicoceles are common in men aged about 15–35 and more often occur on the left because of vein anatomy.
Varicocele is a frequent finding when evaluating male partners in couples with infertility.
Causes of varicocele
Varicoceles usually develop gradually—not from sudden injury. Common contributing factors include:
Faulty valves in the veins
Vein valves normally stop blood flowing backward. If they fail, blood pools in the scrotal veins and they dilate.
Prolonged standing, heavy straining, or high abdominal pressure
Heavy lifting, chronic constipation or cough, and long periods standing increase abdominal pressure and can worsen scrotal vein congestion.
Genetic factors
Congenital vein differences or a family history of varicose veins may increase risk.
Is a varicocele dangerous?
Varicoceles are rarely life-threatening, but they often affect fertility over time—especially sperm quality, which matters for natural conception. Possible effects include:
- Testicular shrinkage from chronic congestion and tissue stress
- Higher intratesticular temperature, disrupting normal sperm production
- Higher infertility risk—the longer a significant varicocele is left untreated, the more sperm parameters may worsen
Men who notice a dull ache, a “bag of worms” feeling, or a lump in the scrotum should seek medical assessment.
Can you still father a child with a varicocele?
Many men with varicoceles can still conceive, but odds may fall if the condition is severe. Effects on fertility can include:
- Lower sperm count from impaired production
- Reduced motility, so sperm reach the egg less easily
- Abnormal morphology or incomplete maturation
- Progressive decline in sperm quality if the varicocele is ignored long term
Diagnosis and treatment of varicocele
Assessment and treatment options include:
- Physical exam and scrotal ultrasound to grade severity, measure veins, and assess blood flow
- Medication may ease pain but does not cure the dilated veins
- Varicocelectomy (surgery) is the standard definitive treatment: abnormal veins are tied off or blocked so blood no longer refluxes. After surgery, many men see:
- Lower scrotal temperature
- Improved blood flow
- Better sperm parameters often within about 3–6 months
- Improved chances of natural pregnancy or success with IVF/ICSI
At BIC, doctors individualise treatment—including whether surgery is indicated—for your goals and test results.
Self-care when you have a varicocele
Medical treatment is central, but lifestyle can ease symptoms and support sperm health:
- Avoid prolonged standing or static sitting that promotes venous pooling
- Exercise moderately to support circulation without excessive straining
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol, both of which affect sperm quality
- Wear supportive, breathable underwear—not overly tight—to reduce heat and pressure
- Avoid heavy lifting that spikes abdominal pressure
- Eat for hormonal health: leafy greens, whole grains, zinc-rich foods, omega-3s
Varicocele is treatable—plan parenthood with Bangkok IVF Clinic
Although varicocele can harm sperm and contribute to infertility, it is treatable—especially with early assessment and care from a reproductive specialist.
If you worry about infertility or have tried to conceive for a long time without success, a full male fertility evaluation helps find the true cause. Bangkok IVF Clinic offers consultation with reproductive medicine specialists and assisted reproduction services including semen analysis, sperm freezing, and infertility treatment.
For more information or to book a consultation
- Phone: +(66)02-933-1584 to 6
- WhatsApp: Chat on WhatsApp
References
- Thai-language overview of varicocele (HDMall). Accessed November 24, 2025, from https://hdmall.co.th/blog/hdcare/varicocele-disease-definition/
- Male infertility and varicocele: myths and reality. Accessed November 24, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2658802/
- Nonsurgical Treatment for Male Infertility Caused by Varicoceles. Accessed November 24, 2025, from https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/sections/ir/advanced-services/varicocele
